Caballo De Mar halted Scandinavia’s impressive eight‑race winning streak by replicating his triumph in the Qatar Prix du Cadran a year after his previous victory, delivering a dramatic finish at Longchamp in Paris. The seasoned stayer, trained by George Scott, was expertly guided by jockey Oisin Murphy, who seized the lead from Scandinavia and the tiring early leader, Queenstown, as they approached the final furlong. The two front‑runners engaged in a fierce duel over the last furlong, with Scandinavia briefly reclaiming the advantage before Caballo De Mar rallied in the final strides, edging his rival by a neck to claim the win. The finish was not without controversy.
Ryan Moore, riding the 1‑6 favourite Scandinavia, lodged an objection, prompting a stewards’ inquiry. Moore claimed his mount had been bumped by the eventual 9‑2 winner Caballo De Mar as they crossed the line. After reviewing the incident, officials upheld the result, confirming Caballo De Mar’s victory. Scandinavia entered the race on the back of a stellar record that included five Group One victories, making him the heavy favourite.
Yet George Scott’s charge proved a formidable adversary, especially on Parisian turf where Caballo De Mar has now secured three Group One wins from three attempts. Scott praised his horse and the support team, saying, "What an amazing performance from the horse and the team at home.
I was very emotional afterwards – he’s just such a special horse to us, and to come back and win the Cadran again is fantastic. He’s an incredible animal, a real character. He can be quite lazy at home and difficult to manage, but on the track he shows his true class." Scott also explained his tactical approach before the race.
He noted that his plan was to track Scandinavia closely, allowing Caballo De Mar to stay in contention and then strike when the opportunity arose. "We wanted to sit behind Scandinavia and it went exactly to plan. We managed to settle close to him and then he fought back when the time was right," he said. The Newmarket trainer expressed confidence that his horse had the potential to beat the red‑hot favourite, adding, "I thought today was the perfect day because my horse loves this course.
He was showing all the right signs, and Scandinavia had a very tough run in Ireland last time. We felt we could beat him today, but you never want to say that publicly. We'll see how he recovers, but he could be aimed at Ascot on Champions Day." Aidan O'Brien, who trains Scandinavia, offered his perspective on the runner‑up’s performance. "He ran a great race and it’s been a long season for him," O'Brien said.
"The ground was a little on the slower side for him, and Ryan mentioned he was coming back at him. That will likely be his final run of the season. I wasn’t planning to target Ascot because the ground would probably be unsuitable for him by then." The race itself was a masterclass in long‑distance racing.
Caballo De Mar, a proven stayer with a reputation for delivering under pressure, demonstrated his staying power by accelerating in the final furlong, a hallmark of his racing style. Scandinavia, despite his impressive record, appeared to lose a fraction of his momentum in the closing stages, possibly due to the demanding pace set early in the race and the fatigue from his previous campaign.
The victory adds a significant accolade to Caballo De Mar’s résumé. Having already won the Qatar Prix du Cadran in 2022, his repeat success in 2023 cements his status as a top‑class long‑distance specialist.
It also underscores George Scott’s skill in preparing a horse for the unique challenges of French Group One events, where race tactics, ground conditions, and the ability to sustain a strong finish are crucial. For fans of horse racing, this result provides a compelling narrative of a seasoned champion defending his title against a formidable opponent. It also highlights the strategic acumen of both trainers, the precision of jockey Oisin Murphy’s ride, and the high‑stakes drama that makes the Prix du Cadran a highlight of the European racing calendar.
Looking ahead, Caballo De Mar’s connections are already contemplating future targets, with Ascot’s Champions Day being a tantalising prospect. The race will test his versatility over a different course and potentially against a new set of elite stayers.
Meanwhile, Scandinavia’s camp will assess the horse’s condition after a demanding season, deciding whether to aim for a final run or to give him a well‑deserved rest. The broader racing community will be watching closely as both horses continue their careers.
Caballo De Mar’s ability to replicate a Group One victory on foreign soil demonstrates the international appeal of top‑class stayers, while Scandinavia’s consistency at the highest level reaffirms his standing as one of the premier middle‑distance horses of the year. For more up‑to‑date racing news, interviews, and in‑depth features, stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing, where the latest stories from the world of thoroughbred racing are delivered straight to your device.